JP4928568B2 - Air treatment apparatus having a heated volatile dispenser - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference to related applications Not applicable.

Statement on research or development provided by the federal government Not applicable.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing volatile air treatment chemicals by heating a substrate impregnated or coated with chemicals. More particularly, the present invention relates to such an apparatus that is effectively assembled using heat.

  Substrates (especially porous substrates) are carriers (carriers) for air treatment chemicals such as insect control agents (insecticides, insecticides, insect growth regulators, attractants, synergists, etc.), fragrances, and deodorants. ) Has been used for a long time. For example, see US Pat. No. 6,551,560 (Patent Document 1). The disclosure of this patent, and all other patents referenced herein, are incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in their entirety.

  Simultaneously with heating the substrate, volatile air treatment chemicals are dispensed from the substrate. The heat source is typically an electric heater, but in some instances a flame may be substituted.

  Various air handling functions can be achieved with such devices. For example, a porous substrate impregnated with a volatile insecticide can be used to prevent mosquito bites in a closed bedroom. Alternatively, the deodorant or odor control material can be dispensed to counter malodors or simply provide the desired fragrance.

  One problem with such devices is that the substrate is typically leaning against or near the heater. As the heater heats the substrate, volatile air treatment chemicals are pushed out of the substrate in a direction away from the heater surface (basically vertically). This can cause some inefficiencies. For example, the portion of the substrate adjacent to the heater may act as a thermal insulator for the portion of the substrate that is releasing the active material, making distribution adjustment more difficult.

  Another problem with such devices is that they can be time consuming after starting use to properly handle air in the limited environment adjacent to the device. For example, when a person tries to sleep, the device may be activated in the bedroom. It is undesirable to have to wait for a long time in the bedroom until you can rest assured about insect protection. If the heater has to heat the entire vertical surface of the substrate for the most efficient distribution from the surface facing away from the heater, it can delay the activation of the activation range. .

Another development, US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0066798, discloses the use of a snap-fit coupling type in the assembly of perfume dispensers. However, its assembly was terribly complicated.
US Pat. No. 6,551,560

  Thus, to date, prior art heat dispensers for dispensing air treatment chemicals have not been optimal with respect to methods of applying heat to a substrate or assembling a structure. Therefore, devices that address these issues continue to be desired.

  In one aspect, the present invention provides an air treatment chemical dispensing apparatus capable of dispensing air treatment chemicals from a substrate while attaching a substrate carrying volatile air treatment chemicals. The apparatus has a housing and a heater positioned within the housing. This heater has a table shape having an opposing wall, and can radiate heat from at least the opposing wall. The substrate adjacent to the opposing wall so that at least a portion radiates toward the substrate when heat is radiated from the opposing wall, causing the substrate to emit air treatment chemicals at least partially toward the opposing wall. There are means for attaching.

  The attachment means is preferably mechanical (eg, an elastic finger). However, other suitable means for attaching adhesives, fasteners, and other mechanical retainers are possible.

  In any case, there is further an air path structure that passes through and through the housing (when the base is mounted in the housing by the mounting means), and air flows between the opposing wall in the housing and the base. And it is possible to get out of the housing.

  In a particularly preferred form, the heater also has a sidewall structure that can radiate heat to a portion of the air path structure. This is used in conjunction with an air path structure having intake and exhaust holes, which are preferably located on the sides on the opposite side of the device. In this way, air is sucked into one hole, partially passes across the side of the heater, partially passes across the opposing wall of the heater, and exits through the exhaust hole. Air near the substrate will mix with the released air treatment chemicals. The treated air is discharged from the exhaust hole.

  This traversing air path is particularly desirable because the air flow is at least partially between the heater and the substrate. In addition, since the intake vent is at the bottom of the device (the device is positioned when plugged into a vertical outlet), the heated air will naturally rise towards the exhaust vent, further streamlining the flow. Improve.

  When the substrate is mounted in this manner, it is most preferred to have a protruding nose that is positioned in contact with (or substantially in contact with) the opposing wall. The rest of the substrate will not come into contact with the heater. Thus, heat is transferred directly to the nose, but additional heated air passes around the nose between the substrate and the heater.

  Volatile air treatment chemicals can be selected from the group consisting of insect control agents, fragrances, and deodorants. For example, the volatile air treatment chemical may be an insect control agent selected from the group consisting of natural pyrethrins, pyrethrum extracts, synthetic pyrethroids, other volatile insect control agents, and mixtures thereof.

  In another form, the present invention provides an air treatment chemical dispensing apparatus that can attach a substrate carrying a volatile air treatment chemical while simultaneously dispensing the air treatment chemical from the substrate. The apparatus includes a housing, an electric plug structure attached in a housing partly extending outwardly, a heater connected to the electric plug structure in the housing, and a cover for covering the heater attachable to the housing. Have a unit. The cover unit has a first wall of the substrate, the substrate facing the heater, and a second wall of the substrate on one side of the substrate opposite the first wall is essentially formed by the cover unit. It is configured to be suitable for attachment to a substrate so as to be coated.

  Such a structure allows simple assembly that can be automated at low cost. For example, the housing, electrical plug structure, heater, and cover unit are assembled by relative axial movement between them, and preferably a snap-fit telescopic connection is used as part of the assembly.

  In yet another form, the present invention provides a method of assembling such a device. The electric plug structure can be installed in the housing with a part extending outwardly from the rear. A heater is installed in the housing and moved axially until it fits into the electrical plug structure. The cover unit is attached to the housing, and the cover unit has a base body positioned on the housing.

  The substrate is preferably coated or impregnated with volatile air treatment chemicals. In the most preferred version, the substrate is configured to tend to carry air treatment chemicals toward the heater. This can occur because the substrate has granular sand particles combined with phenolic resin and the particle size is smaller in the portion of the substrate adjacent to the heater.

  It should be understood that the device of the present invention can be manufactured inexpensively and utilizes heat very effectively. These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description below. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration and not limitation, an expected preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiments do not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention, and reference should therefore be made to the appended claims in order to understand the scope of the invention.

  Referring first to FIG. 1, the air treatment device 10 includes an outer housing 12 having a rear portion 12A and a front portion 12B. The electrical prong structure 14 is positioned at the rear portion 12A of the housing 12 and has a rear end portion extending outwardly therefrom.

  Further, a cover unit 18 is attached to the front housing portion 12B. The cover unit 18 essentially covers the front of the outer surface of the base 22, but mounts the base 22 (see particularly FIG. 2) so as to open toward the inside of the housing.

  In certain preferred versions, there is an individually installable indicator unit 26 that can be removably attached to the cover unit 18 so as to protrude forward outside. Indicator unit 26 is preferably removable from cover unit 18 and contains a separate cup-shaped structure 44 indicator chemistry that indicates to the user the amount of air treatment chemistry remaining on substrate 22. can do. The indicator unit 26 may have a removable lid 42 with a tab 47 that is easy to grip. The rear of the indicator unit 26 extends into a well 38 formed in the cover unit 18 to facilitate some heat transfer through the wall 48 to the indicator unit.

  Most preferably, the device 10 is plugged into an electrical socket on the vertical wall 16. The terminology used in the present invention is used with attention to the type of attachment. However, a suitable electrical socket on a horizontal surface or other surface can also be used to provide power. Thus, terms such as “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower” and “side” are interpreted by analogy when the device is used for its type of attachment. Should.

  The electrical prong structure 14 shown in these drawings is only an example. This type of cylindrical prong is suitable for coupling to power in some countries. However, in other countries, a mixture of blade prongs, blades, cylinders, and other shaped prong elements will be used to provide a connection to an available power source. So that is fully understood).

  The front housing 12 has a series of elongated vent holes 30 on both upper and lower sides thereof. These air holes 30A form an air intake portion of the air path by allowing air to enter from the surroundings. Air passes as shown by the arrows in FIG.

  Note that the heater 56 is in the form of a table having a front wall 61 and a sidewall structure 63. The heat is radiated toward the substrate 22 in the lateral direction around the table. Therefore, the air entering the vent 30A becomes very fast and effectively hot.

  It should also be noted that the nose projection 25 on the substrate 22 can be in direct contact with the opposing wall 61. This allows direct heat transfer. Nevertheless, additional heat can be applied along the sides of the nose as some heated air passes between the substrate wall 65 and the opposing wall 61 facing the table.

  This is particularly effective in causing a very fast burst of insecticide or other air treatment chemical when the device is first activated. Thus, the room can be properly and very quickly processed. Further, if the substrate 22 is of the type that carries air treatment chemicals toward the wall 65 by capillary action, the device can be shut down for one day and then re-activated after being activated again.

  After the air treatment chemical has been released into the air adjacent to the opposing wall 61, the air will pass across the opposing wall 61 until it exits the exhaust hole 30B. As a result, the ambient air is treated with the air treatment chemical.

  A preferred base shape is a base having a front frustoconical portion 23 and a nose 25 protruding rearward, but other shapes can be used, with or without a protrusion. The substrate 22 is preferably fully impregnated with volatile air treatment chemicals that can be dispensed from the substrate 22 when heated. However, instead of being fully impregnated with air treatment chemicals, the substrate 22 may be only partially impregnated or simply coated with chemicals.

  The housing 12 of the entire apparatus 10 surrounds the table-shaped heater through a sufficient insulating gap with respect to the outer housing wall, so that the side walls are not overheated. The heater is preferably activated by inserting the rear end of the electrical prong structure 14 into the outlet. Heat from the heater 56 can also pass through the other surfaces of the cover unit 18 through a series of openings 32 and 36 (see FIG. 4D). Note that the wall 48 effectively blocks air distributed through the front of the device.

  Referring now to FIG. 3 from top to bottom (from front to back of the installed device), the device 10 has a removable cover unit 18 (shown here without the indicator unit 26) and a substrate. Is positioned in the cover unit and is locked into engagement with the heater 56 in the subassembly. This can be accomplished by snap-fit coupling, bayonet connection, or other means.

  The heater enclosure 56A is connected to an aluminum contact 60, a thermal cutoff (TCO) 62, a thermistor 64, a neon tube used for the light 70, and a resistor 72, all of which are snapped into the lower part of the heating enclosure 56A. Is engaged with the connection. The TCO 62 and the light 70 each have an end that engages and engages a corresponding silicon sleeve 74 that fits into a corresponding hole in the housing 12. Star contact 66 is preferably inserted between aluminum contact 60 and one of the two plug decks 68 forming pin bridge 69. In other words, the pin bridge 69 preferably fits into the housing 12 thereby completing the device 10.

  It should be understood that the main parts of the assembly can be assembled without tools and in most cases with simple axial relative motion. This makes the manufacture of the device very cheap.

  Once the device is plugged in, current flows through the electrical prong structure 14 to drive the heater and on-light 70. Overheating is prevented by the TCO.

  The heater enclosure wall 56A may be formed of a material suitable for the environment (for example, heat resistance metal, plastics, etc.). Resistive heaters are preferred when the heater has multiple configurations. However, in some types, flames, catalytic burners, and other combustion sources may heat the table.

  In addition, although various resistance elements may be used, a low resistance thermistor 64 is preferred, which has a positive temperature coefficient with zero power resistance increasing with increasing temperature.

  With reference now to FIGS. 4A through 4E, a snap-fit assembly method for apparatus 10 is shown. In the most preferred form, each component of the device 10 is preferably fitted in place, and in some cases, these parts snap together to secure the assembly. In use, the on-light 70 engages with the opening 57 in a heater enclosure wall 56 </ b> A configured to receive the on-light 70. When the light 70 is properly positioned within the opening 57, the light 70 fits in place and thus secures the light 70 to the heater enclosure 56A. When the light 70 is inserted into the predetermined position, the star contact 66 is inserted into the plug deck 68 of the pin bridge 69 so as to be inserted into the predetermined position. At the same time, pin bridge 69 is inserted into housing 12 and snapped into place.

  The electrical prong structure 14 has a bridge 69. The electrical prong structure is withdrawn from the rear end of the housing 12 until the prongs snap into place (see FIG. 4B). As a result, the heater surrounding wall 56 </ b> A is pulled out with respect to the contact 60, the TCO 62, the thermistor 64 and the register 72. The heater enclosure 56A is preferably pushed down toward the housing 12 past the retaining beads (not shown) until it fits into place within the housing 12 (see FIG. 4C).

  Once the heater enclosure 56A is secured within the housing 12, the cover unit 18 (with the base 22 included) is pressed firmly downward until it snaps into place (housing not shown). It is preferably inserted into the corresponding opening above. Finally, any indicator unit 26 or other decorative plate (not shown) is covered by engaging the indicator unit leg 40 with a corresponding opening 43 defined by the cover unit 18. -It may be screwed into a predetermined position at the front of the unit 18.

  Similarly, the legs (not shown) of the cover unit 18 allow for a fast snap fit attachment to the housing 12 via corresponding grooves 50 in the housing 12. See, for example, FIG. 4E.

  Examples of suitable substrates 22 are not limited to porous sand with a binder such as a novolac resin, but include urethane resins and highly crosslinked thermoplastics such as crosslinked polyethylene. Particularly preferred sand substrates can be formed in a manner similar to the sand wick described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0284952. Alternative substrates include other particulates such as metal, cellulose, and ceramic particulates.

  The air treatment chemical is preferably an insecticide, fragrance and / or fungicide. In some cases, one or more air treatment chemicals may be used alone or in combination on the substrate 22.

  When the air treatment chemical is an insecticide and / or insecticide, organic repellents such as organophosphorus insecticides, lipidamide insecticides, citronella oil, natural pyrethrin and pyrethrum extracts, and synthetic pyrethroids are preferred. Preferred synthetic pyrethroids include arethrins such as acrinathrin, D-areslin, bioamines such as pinamine R ™, benfluthrin, bifenthrin, Pinamin ForteR ™, S-bioareslin, esbioslin, Esviol, bis-olesmethrin, cycloproslin, cyfluthrin, β-cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, λ-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, α-cypermethrin, β-cypermethrin, cyphenosrin, deltamethrin, empensulin, esfenvalerate, fenpropathrin, fenvalre Rate, flucylinate, taufulvalinate, cadreslin, permethrin, phenothrin, EtocR (EtocR) ( (Trademark) and the like, and pramethrin, resmesulin, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin, methotfluthrin, or transfluthrin. Other volatile insecticides described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,439,415 can also be used.

  In certain preferred versions, the volatile insecticide is selected from the group consisting of transfluthrin, metfluthrin, vaporsulin, permethrin, prareslin, tefluthrin, and esbiosulin. Transfluthrin is the most preferred insecticide.

  Possible solvents for carrying such air treatment chemicals are ISOPAR ™ C, ISOPAR ™ E, ISOPAR ™ L, heptane, methanol, acetone, ethanol, isopropyl. Including but not limited to alcohol, dodecene, and tetrahydrofuran. ISOPAR (TM) C, ISOPAR (TM) E, ISOPAR (TM) L are hydrocarbon solvents that change chain length, and are obtained from Exxon Chemical Company it can.

  In general, volatile insect control agents will be carried in organic solvents such as hydrocarbons. One particularly desirable impregnation formulation for mosquito protection is 50 wt% transfluthrin melted in Isopearl C hydrocarbon. Alternatively, and more often, preferably, transfluthrin is first warmed to liquefy and then added directly to the warmed substrate.

  A wide variety of volatile fragrances can be used that optionally further have insect control properties. Alternatively, some fragrances are selected that impart an odor removal function (eg, specific terpenes). For example, various natural and artificial fragrances can be used. Non-limiting examples of these fragrances include animal and plant natural fragrances, and artificial fragrances such as alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, terpenes, esters and the like.

  When the volatile air treatment chemical is a disinfectant, preferred disinfectants are not limited, but include glycols, trimethylenes and dipropylenes. Organic acids that are compatible with the use and environment of the substrate 22 may also be used.

  While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that the invention may be used in various other embodiments. For example, vents need not be installed in the cross section of the housing. Accordingly, the principles of the present invention can be applied in a wide variety of other ways apart from those specifically referred to herein. Still other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the claims should be examined to understand the full scope of the invention (rather than the preferred embodiment).

  The present invention provides an air treatment device having an effective heater assembly that is simple to manufacture.

FIG. 1 is a right front perspective view of an air treatment device of the present invention plugged into a vertical wall. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 with the indicator unit 26 removed. 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 4A-4C illustrate some of the preferred methods of assembling the housing, electrical plug structure, and heater of the present invention, and FIGS. 4D and 4E illustrate further steps in the assembly of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG.

Claims (16)

A housing;
A heater located in a housing and in the form of a table having an opposing wall, the heater capable of radiating heat from at least the opposing wall;
The substrate adjacent to the opposing wall such that when the heat is radiated from the opposing wall, the heat is radiated toward at least a portion of the substrate , causing the substrate to emit air treatment chemicals at least partially toward the opposing wall. Means for attaching,
An air path structure in the housing that allows air to flow in and out of the housing between the opposing wall in the housing and the base if the base is attached to the housing by the mounting means; ,
An air treatment chemical dispensing apparatus capable of dispensing air treatment chemical from the substrate when a substrate carrying a volatile air treatment chemical is attached.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heater table further comprises a sidewall structure capable of radiating heat to a portion of the air path structure.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air path structure includes intake and exhaust holes disposed on opposing sides of the apparatus to extend across the opposing walls.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a substrate attached by means for attaching to the housing.   The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the substrate has a protruding nose positioned adjacent to the opposing wall.   The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the substrate has a protruding nose positioned in contact with the opposing wall.   The apparatus of claim 4, wherein when the heater is activated, the substrate is heated, thereby releasing the air treatment chemical into the air passing through the air path structure.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the volatile air treatment chemical is selected from the group consisting of insect control agents, fragrances, and deodorants.   9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the volatile air treatment chemical is an insect control agent.   The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the volatile air treatment chemical is selected from the group consisting of transfluthrin and methofluthrin. A housing;
An electrical plug structure mounted in the housing, part of which extends rearwardly outside;
A heater connected to an electrical plug structure in the housing;
A cover unit that covers the heater and is attached to the housing;
Including
The cover unit has a first wall of the substrate with the substrate facing the heater, while a second wall of the substrate opposite the first wall of the substrate is essentially covered by the cover unit. To attach the substrate,
An air treatment chemical dispensing apparatus capable of dispensing air treatment chemicals from a substrate when a substrate carrying volatile air treatment chemicals is attached.   The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the housing, electrical plug structure, heater, and cover unit can be assembled by relative axial movement therebetween.   The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the snap-fit connection facilitates assembly of at least two of the housing, the electrical plug structure, the heater, and the cover unit.   12. The heater is in the form of a table having opposing wall and sidewall structures, the heater being able to radiate heat from the opposing wall and sidewall structures when the device is assembled and operated by electricity. The device described in 1.   The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a portion of the heater is fitted into the electrical plug structure. Installed in the housing by moving the electrical plug structure relative axially, with a portion extending rearwardly outside,
Install the heater in the housing by moving in relative axial direction until it fits into the electrical plug structure,
Mounting the cover unit to the housing by moving the relative axial direction while positioning the base body on the cover unit;
A method for assembling an apparatus according to claim 11 comprising:

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